Hotel Novalis

Very friendly staff (albeit my interactions were brief) and terrific location, with a decent-sized room.

Unfortunately, there is a lot (and I mean, a lot) of noise from the reception area and stairs - doors banging, steps, voices from each incoming guest. In the end, I didn't have a problem sleeping, simply because I was walking 20km a day, and I retired to bed late, so was exhausted. I inquired about changing rooms, but the boss wasn't around. Then I decided it was too much hassle. But the noise was bad to the extent that I could actually hear the receptionist talking to each person who asked them a question on the floor below. I was facing the annexe, almost directly above reception - couldn't tell you if you'll "face" the same problem if pointing at Novalis street. Bottom line: the walls are thin, and the doors don't block out much noise either. If I had needed to sleep earlier in the evening, it would have been difficult. But then, bear in mind, I am a light sleeper - I should emphasise I'm fussy with noise. I want to emphasise that the staff were very friendly and the room fairly nice, albeit I'd have expected breakfast (not included) at the 150 euro a night I paid (I didn't notice it wasn't included - my fault). I've stayed in much better rooms for 150 euro, but it was "good enough" you might say. Sadly, the noise levels mean I would not risk it again, which is a shame, because the location is absolutely perfect, being close to the beautiful Auguststrasse. Also very easy to get to Tegel airport - just take the Oranienburger Tor metro to Schumacher Platz 10 minutes north, then the 15 minute bus to Tegel, so all in all, 30-40 minutes door to door to the airport (3 euro metro, 3 euro bus, so very convenient). If you sleep like a baby regardless and won't be in your hotel much anyway, you could therefore still consider it very convenient.